Bible Truth for Today & Christian Counseling for the Soul

Tag Archives: influence

One 12 year old Michigan girl set herself on fire attempting the “Fire Challenge” she saw on Youtube. She burned over half her body and will need 3 more surgeries. She poured rubbing alcohol on herself and lit a match. This “challenge” phenomenon on social media is a dangerous trend that appeals to many young people and teens.

Other challenges include the “Hot Water Challenge” with kids being burned with boiling water. Participants either pour the boiling water on self, another person, or allow it to be poured on them. An attempt to see what level of pain tolerance one has? Perhaps. Dangerous and foolish no matter the reason why.

Kids are easily influenced for foolish things. Be careful of Who and What you allow to influence your kids. Avoid giving young person unmonitored access to the internet on ta phone or computer. It could turn our dangerous for them and for you. Have guidelines, expectations, and accountability in place. Like 1 Corinthians 15:33 teaches, Be not deceived: evil communications (Companions) corrupt good manners. If you want your child to turn out right, make sure you instill discernment for who influences your child as a friend, or companion. Even the internet companions hold tremendous influence.

Speaking of the Christian’s physical body, 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

As Christians, our bodies and our lives belong to Jesus. His desire is that we care for our bodies. We are the temple of the living God and as such, our bodies are to be cared for and maintained to the glory of God.

What is the deal with setting self on fire? Here are several thoughts that may put this ridiculous activity in perspective.

Hell is full of fire.

Fire is indicative of judgment.

Satan wants people to go to Hell.

A demon possessed boy in the New Testament passage of Matthew 17:14-19 would constantly jump into a fire. Jesus rescues this boy.

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Could it be that “self-harm” is suggested by a demon? Is it possible that the “fire challenges” are demon inspired?

While Jesus is interested in life – Satan and his demons are interested in death and dying. When kids are tempted to play “Russian Roulette,” or get as close to drowning as possible, or have a self-induced near-death experience – are these forms of Satanic oppression or even possession? I believe it is very possible.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Friends are people we know and trust to be friendly. Kindness is not only demonstrated in kind actions, but also in words, and the attitudes conveyed to our friends.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Friends are people we know and trust to be honest; even to the point of challenging and correcting us in a gentle and loving manner whenever that is needed.

Trust is the most basic requirement for a sincere, genuine, and healthy relationship with someone. A husband who cannot trust his wife or a wife who does not trust her husband will be experiencing troubles in marriage that stem from trust issues.

Trust is something that is earned over time; but can be erased in a moment. Trust is something we see in each healthy relationship of life. If there is no trust, then the relationship is based on pretense, fakery, or fabricated reputation.

If a person does not trust the boss, the relationship is not what it could be. If the boss does not trust the employee, the relationship is not what it should be. If a parent does not trust he teacher, the student will pick up on that and the classroom relationship will not be what it should be.

The same is true in church. The pastor trusts the deacons and the deacons trust the pastor. Their relationship with each other and the relationship of the leadership with the church and church with the leadership also must be premised – on trust.

Sometimes people do not trust others simply because of past experiences. Even if nothing wrong or sinful has happened in the new relationship. For example, I had a man tell me one time that “He did not trust any preacher.” His past experiences, that were bad experiences, led him to the conclusion that all preachers were evil. How could a person with that conclusion hope to learn, grow, attend church services, and develop healthy relationships?

I was not offended by this man’s statement – but as a preacher, I knew I would not have the chance to earn the trust of that man. The relationship would be tainted and confused from the very start.

That is how some people see other genders. Have you heard someone say something like “All men are evil pigs?” or “I can’t stand women?” One or several bad experiences have been allowed to control how the person perceives about half the population! That way of thinking makes no common or Biblical sense.

If you are hoping to marry someone and have had previous bad dating, or even marriage experience, be sure that those things do not influence your new relationship. Let trust develop. Grow in relationship with your new or soon to be spouse.

Starting a new job or another school year? The boss and the teacher, the employee and the student should be respected and until trust is lost – it is best to develop a healthy relationship built on trust. Thank God – trust may never be lost! You may have a healthy relationship the rest of your life.

Not trusting others is a personal defensive mechanism focused on preserving our pride and protecting our ego from future possible harm. It is a natural human reaction. However, not trusting is based on fear. Fear is not something that we are to live by. The Bible says to “Live by faith!” Replace the fear and the accompanying trust issues with Faith in God!

2 Timothy 1:7 teaches, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear causes us to doubt the power of God.

Fear causes us to forget the love of God.

Fear causes us to not think clearly.

We fear when we are not in control. We fear when we lose our influence. We fear when we are not sure what is going on. HAVE FAITH IN GOD!

God will take care of the marriage when we trust and obey Him.

God will take care of the workplace and classroom.

God will take care of His church. We belong to Him!

God will take care of you and your relationships can become healthy when your faith in God is greater than your faith in fear and distrust. Ask the Lord to help each relationship to be built on trust. Without trust – you don’t really have a relationship anyway!